West Bend resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

West Bend resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

American Family Insurance and body shop Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide a refurbished vehicle to a West Bend, Wisconsin resident during a presentation at the August 12 Milwaukee Brewers^TM game.

Karli Mireles was the recipient of a vehicle donated by American Family Insuranceand refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glassas part of the National Auto Body Council(NABC) Recycled Rides® program.

Through this program, American Family partners with local auto body shops to donate vehicles that have been declared a total loss, which could result from a collision, hail damage or other accident. This nationwide, nonprofit project, organized by the NABC, repairs and donates vehicles to deserving recipients.

Total-loss cars get new life with NABC Recycled Rides

When a car is declared a total loss, American Family pays the customer for the actual cash value of the vehicle before the loss. American Family usually takes possession of the vehicle and can sell it through a salvage vendor. With this program, rather than take the salvage proceeds, American Family donates the vehicles and a local auto body shop donates its services to repair them. Other vendors also offer parts and services. The vehicles are repaired to industry standards and meet safety requirements.

American Family and Gerber Collison & Glass worked together with a nonprofit organization to identify a deserving recipient for this gift. Recipients meet certain requirements such as need, valid driver's license and ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.

NABC Recycled Rides latest recipient

Karli was a special guest at the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game on August 12 at American Family Field.

Karli has experienced homelessness and came to the Family Promise Organization of Washington Countyfor shelter. With their support, she has worked hard to improve her situation, and has been able to obtain full-time employment and a promotion. Family Promise has also assisted in her search for permanent housing and a vehicle. She is thankful for this gift of reliable transportation that will allow her to continue on her path to self-sufficiency.

"When individuals who are highly motivated to take steps to better their lives, including seeking stable housing and employment, one barrier can be a lack of safe, reliable transportation," said Tim Constien, chief claims officer for American Family Insurance Claims Services. "We're proud to join with our partners to help address this challenge for a deserving recipient like Karli, a great example of what can be achieved through persistence and a positive attitude, as she works her way back to independence and a better life for her and her family."

Representatives from the participating organizations presented Karli with the keys to a completely refurbished 2022 Toyota Corolla. Karli was accompanied by her daughter, Kylie Van Diver, for the presentation at American Family Field.

In addition to Tim Constien, also attending the event from American Family Insurance Claims Services were Wisconsin Sales Director Estelle Blockoms, and Jamie Weidner, senior vendor management specialist. Attending from Gerber Collision & Glass were Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales and Dennis DeMaio, national account manager. From Gerber sister company, Glass America was chief operating officer John Wysseier, and from the NABC, Margaret Owen. Karlie was also supported by Lori Prescott, executive director of Family Promise of Greater Washington County.

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicle gifts for more than a decade.

Photo caption from group photo at top of page, left to right: Karli Mireles, Kylie Van Diver, Lori Prescott, Tim Constein, Estelle Blockoms, Jamie Weidner, Gary Bunce, Dennis DeMaio, John Wysseier, Margaret Owen.

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About the American Family Insurance Group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurancehas been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 243 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesiteand Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has nearly 13,000 employees nationwide.